Zirkzee impresses on full debut for Netherlands

Joshua Zirkzee on his first international start for the Netherlands provided a goal and an assist as Ronald Koeman's side started its UEFA Nations League campaign with a 5-2 win over Bosnia. 

Zirkzee was impressive in the victory, showing how well he can operate in that self professed “9.5 role.” The forward demonstrated what he can bring as a ‘facilitator,’ dropping deep with some lovely touches and link up play with the midfield. The attackers goal came in the 13th minute with a clever backwards header from a deflected shot of which he simply directed toward the goal, catching Bosnia goalkeeper Vasilj off guard. Zirkzee struck up a particularly good partnership with teammate Tijjani Reijnders, and was responsible for assisting the AC Milan midfielder to put the Dutch in front 2-1 just before halftime. 

Zirkzee was replaced by former United striker Wout Weghorst in the 74th minute but the performance provided a positive insight to what he can bring to Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United side. The Red Devils can really benefit from runners playing off Zirkzee to create attacking threats in the final third. There is undoubtedly potential for him to create a real chemistry with Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United too. In the 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford last weekend, it was evident Zirkzee was trying to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and he received some harsh criticism for the performance. A full debut at international level of this standard this will unquestionably do his confidence wonders!

Joshua Zirkzee’s game by numbers v Bosnia.

• 74 mins played
• 38 touches
• 19/26 Passes (73% completion rate) 
• 1 goal
• 1 assist
• 4 shots
• 4 chances created

Stats by SofaScore